A few months into my Yoga Practice, I was intensely drawn towards practicing the Shirsasana (Head Stand). I started reading through various websites and watching videos and started practicing against the wall. Some days, I slumped, some days I seem to get it right somewhat but what I surely lacked was consistency. I had to start all over again, when I did not practice for a few days but the heart and the body were not ready to give up. After a few weeks, I was slowly trying to move away from the wall inch by inch until about a year later, I learnt to hold myself upside down anywhere, anytime for a few minutes !!
Awareness from Shirsasana
When I look back, I realized that my practice with Shirsasana was actually a step by step journey of looking at life upside down and being comfortable with it. A 360 degree view of business situations occurred to me easily but everything else in my life seemed to be a challenge bound by my thoughts. With Shirsasana, my limiting thoughts and strong belief system was gradually chipped away allowing me to take a step back and view every situation with compassion. The wall was my support, silently doing the job of teaching me to hold myself through difficult situations with hope. Shirshasana has its physical benefits too, it immediately recharges the body and eliminates fatigue, brings a glow to the face and eyes and of course postpones graying (I started too late).
Regular Practice of Shirsasana
It is best to practice Shirshasana under the guidance of an able teacher, who would advise whether to do it or not based on health conditions (blood pressure, eye, abdominal and spinal issues) teach the nuances of getting into the pose, of preparing the body to hold the weight upside down, to strengthen the core and ofcourse breath control. I found it useful to lock my hands against the wall, raising my body in Parvatasana (Mountain Pose), walking my legs towards my head, slowly raising my body half way with the wall supporting my spine and raising my legs straight up to rest against the wall. There is a sweet spot on the top of the head which helps us to balance. Take it slow and easy and you will get there !!
As I practice Shirsasana for a minute or two every day irrespective of where I am, I realize that it requires immense effort to get angry, am able to accept people and situations as they are leaving enough space and energy for me to conclude “Life is a Vacation” indeed !!
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A friend of mine who is a yoga instructor told me there is a sweet spot where you have your head on the ground and walk your feet toward your body where you will be able to lift your legs right up with very little to no effort. For me that was the advice that really did it for me. I was able to get in to a headstand effortlessly and as the days went on I was able to stay in it longer and longer. Having an instructor is really quite valuable. I really enjoyed reading your story 🙂
You are absolutely right. When I took to yoga, my fitness levels were questionable. It took me a while to find that sweet spot. Even now, I get wobbly, if I miss it.
nice read
Thank you.
Yeah, you’re right. Yogasanas must be done under the guide of a Guru. Nice read. Yogasanas are so good to body and mind that the West now begins adopting this time-honored practice.
Thank You. My day is incomplete if I have not done at least 15 minutes of Yoga everyday. During my travels I have noticed that some of the westerners who have taken up yoga are very good teachers and are completely dedicated to the practice. At times, I have been ashamed of how little I know about the practice. The learning goes on…
sure! yoga does bring down your stress levels..also try meditating you will start realizing what life is about .i like your blog..keep doing more stuff like this .
Thank you very much. I am into meditation for about 3 years now which has transformed my life in more than one way. I am trying to record some of it in my blog under Soulfeed section. Will love to read your comments when you have time to read.